Learn how to cope with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

At the mercy of unpredictable bowels? The cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are miseries that afflict one in five people. We'll give you some tips that can help.

• What causes IBS isn't certain, although it clearly involves a conversation between the brain and the gut. People with high levels of anxiety and stress are much more likely to develop IBS than their more cheerful counterparts.
• One related factor may be altered levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter affecting mood that's found in both the GI tract and the brain.
• In some people, IBS appears to stem from a stomach infection that revs up the immune system, which never returns to a normal state, leading to a chronic inflammatory response.
• People with IBS may also have particularly sensitive stomachs that overreact to stress and certain foods like milk, chocolate, or alcohol.
• More women than men have IBS, so hormonal changes may also be involved. Genes may play a part as well.

• First, your doctor will verify that you have IBS by eliminating other possible causes of your distress, such as celiac disease.
• Expect a blood test, a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, and screening for lactose intolerance (which can cause similar symptoms).
• Although there's no cure for IBS, your doctor can suggest treatments along with changes in diet and lifestyle that will help.

Although IBS can be disabling, it doesn't damage the intestinal tract or lead to other serious diseases. In most cases, changes in diet and stress management can diminish the pain.

If you think that you have IBS, it's important to see your doctor. There are several avenues of treatment available and you can work with them to find the best one for you. Don't despair: you're likely to find a solution that helps.